WWE: What does Jon Moxley’s revival mean for the professional wrestling universe?
By Paul Zuniga
Dean Ambrose may be dead in the World Wrestling Entertainment universe but Jon Moxley will live on in the AEW. Will other wrestlers follow suit and switch promotions?
After seeing Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, and Dean Ambrose resurrect the Shield in the WWE universe for a brief reunion, many fans assumed their joint wrestling team would survive. Unfortunately, that’s the farthest thing from the truth. The reason we know so is that Dean Ambrose just left the company.
Ambrose, born Jonathan David Good, made an official announcement earlier this year where he told everyone that he wouldn’t be renewing his contract with the WWE. Ambrose didn’t give an exact date of his departure but the promo he posted to his official Twitter Account confirms that his character is dead. Keep in mind that Ambrose—or Moxley—never used his account before this past week.
Now that Good has officially put an end to his Dean Ambrose personality, it would seem like his wrestling career is over. The WWE Universe is the promotion where superstars go to remain relevant but leaving the company sounds like it will result in Good dropping the spotlight altogether. The good news is that Jon Moxley can survive in a new wrestling domain called AEW (All Elite Wrestling).
The All Elite Wrestling promotion was founded earlier this year but it already has Cody Rhodes leading the charge. Rhodes, an ex-WWE superstar, is a great headliner and everything but AEW is gonna need more talent if they want to make an impression on wrestling fans everywhere. The question now is which other WWE superstars will make the transition over.
Since Rhodes and Ambrose have made their motives for leaving known, it goes to reason that other wrestlers are considering a similar move. It’s no secret that both current and former wrestlers are unsatisfied with how the WWE corporate division treated them during their time with the company, which is why Moxley’s revival could prompt more of them to follow suit. No one, in particular, stands out, but Kofi Kingston was in the ideal position to do so a few weeks ago.
When Chairman Vince McMahon refused to give Kofi a title shot at Wrestlemania 35, he spoke of devoting numerous years to the company without being given a chance to be on the main stage. Their whole exchange played out like another drama for television but the issues Kofi spoke of sounded serious when he was on the mic. Kofi wound up getting the title shot he earned but not before many of us assumed he’d leave the promotion.
While we don’t picture Kofi Kingston leaving the WWE anytime soon, there are a few superstars who can and should. The most prominent and best candidate has to be CM Punk. Fans have been chanting his name every time that Shane McMahon comes out, touting his claims of being “Best In The World”. Punk obviously won’t return to the promotion but perhaps a spot on AEW’s roster could work.
Fans should also consider that CM Punk hasn’t done well in his few MMA performances so transitioning back to pro wrestling may be a better route for him to take. There’s still a chance that Punk can improve in the UFC but odds are is he’ll get back to his bread and butter: professional wrestling.
In the Women’s division of WWE, there are also wrestlers who’ve spoken about leaving the promotion. Sasha Banks and Bailey reportedly asked for their release from the company prior to Wrestlemania 35, though nothing came of those claims. Maria Kanellis is also rumored to be eyeing a potential exit as well.
The claims remain unsubstantiated but pro wrestlers from the same promotion have expressed their feelings on social media. In doing so, they’ve gained support from other performers and athletes alike, except, not everyone is thrilled about them speaking negatively about the WWE.
Drew McIntyre, for instance, advocated for the promotion during a rage-filled rant to the State Journal-Register. During his interview with the site, McIntyre spoke of how his fellow competitors weren’t applying themselves enough, stating his own personal experience as the standard for making a name in the company. He made some valid points but neglected to acknowledge the problems that “other” wrestlers are dealing with.
The point is there’s a slew of athletes seeking a new promotion to call home. Not many are on the same level as the WWE but the AEW’s acquisition of rising athletes may see the promotion rise to the same level of stardom. Who knows, the AEW might even become televised if their promotion acquires more high-profile talent.
Which wrestlers do you think should make the move over to All Elite Wrestling? Let us know in the comments section below.
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